Will you consider this statement and tell me what you think?

Question

(I'd like both Christian/non-Christian answers, please.)

The statement:

Christians profess God, but serve Caesar.

I heard someone say this yesterday and after really thinking about it, I thought it is so true. He admitted that he does the same and I had to admit that I do the same. I claim God all day long, but yet I still trust in money, jobs, education and so on. Is the guy that said this saying that money, jobs, education, etc., are wrong? No, they are essential to everyday living, but when Christians put their ultimate trust and desire in those things, they are not giving God the trust He wants or the knowledge that He has complete control over our lives.

So...do you think it's true? If you do, please expound on how you think it's true. Also, examine yourself and see if you believe it's true in your own life. If you think so, you can say so. You don't have to, just wondering.

If you're non-Christian (particularly atheist), I know you probably don't agree with the paragraph after the statement so ignore that. Just answer whether you think the statement is true or false and please tell me why you think so.

If you're wondering where the guy got that statement from, there's a story in the Bible where some people asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar. He said "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things taht are God's." (Matthew 22:16-22)

Answer 1

God knows that we have need of money , He knows that we must work to earn a living. There is no sin in making money as long as we do it honestly. The point is , what kind of a steward are you with the money and possesions God has allowed you to have? Do you continue to heap up treasure for yourself on earth , buying bigger and bigger toys? Or do you lay up treasures in heaven by using part of your wages to help others no matter how meager your means might be? Are you thitheing? Is money more important to you than worshiping God? Do you work on Sundays in violation of the 4th commandment ? Do you play golf on Sunday? When money or anything else comes before God in our lives , even our spouses and children, it is sin. God must be first. There are many people who are called to give up everything they have and go on a mission for God. In that case God will provide evrything needed for your mission either thru your own means or thru others . Others are not called to go on missions. Some are called to stay where they are. Be attentive to God and he will direct your path. Pray Pray Pray!God knows you must make a living. God feeds the birds, but he doesnt drop the worm in their nests. they have to go out and work for it. Dont get all stressed out about doing what you have to do to eat and clothe yourself. Trust God and he will make sure everything comes out all right. Wait on him patiently in prayer and fatsing and he will guide you. Matthew 22:21 , Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
God bless I hope this helps. Captain Arlo

Answer 2

Yes, I think most serve Caesar first, then God. We love our Material items. We are too afraid to compromise our comforts. In the workplace, people commit unrighteous acts and decisions, with more frequency and more unrighteousness. Believers miss-out on many blessings, God has to offer.

Answer 3

It is true for the most of us who believe and profess on His behalf yet yield to the worldly things to define our characters as individuals rather than submitting to Him and trusting Him to live in us and shaping how we think and view things around us and in our lives.

For those who had received Him, we know that these worldly things are needed for living but that we look to Him to provide us the things we need although we need to work. Our work however is to an expression of gratitude of what God provides us, it is not done to earn a living because God already knows our needs and provides them daily regardless -thus we say, "give us our daily bread" in our prayers. Through God, we are blessed in every aspect of our lives "to the fullest and to the overflow" these worldly things God recognizes are needed to live but not to let them consume us or define our lives.

Answer 4

Nah, I don't serve Caeser. There is a lot of prosperity gospel going around, but I just look at them like a sideshow, the main attraction is a relationship w God. All that other stuff is meant to throw your focus off. Money is cool, I like it but it doesn't control me. I have a good amount of money but it doesn't control my walk with Christ.

Answer 5

It's a statement of practical living and survival. We live in this world amongst other human beings, and as the saying goes, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Answer 6

that's everyone...walking on the fence! Money, jobs and education are all tools to keep you under satanic bondage!!! The devil is the ruler of this world!

Answer 7

The key is moderation, Not all but some,

Answer 8

We are "in" the World not "of it".

Jesus told us to Occupy.
Give to Ceaser what is Ceaser's.

(I spell'm like I hear'm!)
Ditto...........